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Top 10 Tips for Residents Impacted by Wildfires
- Secure shelter, meals, and essential supplies. Contact organizations like the Red Cross for assistance with food, clothing, and temporary accommodations.
- Be cautious when visiting fire-damaged properties. Wear sturdy boots and gloves to
protect yourself. - Fire-damaged areas may still pose risks like unstable structures, soot, or hazardous materials.
- Monitor air quality in your area and avoid areas with dangerous levels. Visit AirNow.gov
- Sign up with shelters, the Red Cross, FEMA, and local agencies. This ensures you're on aid distribution lists and can access support quickly.
- These registrations are critical if FEMA is activated to provide broader disaster relief.
- Secure a PO Box to centralize your mail, as your home address may no longer be accessible.
- Use the PO Box for insurance claims, aid forms, and any correspondence during recovery.
- Notify your insurance company to activate "Loss of Use" coverage, which can provide immediate funds for essentials like clothing, toiletries, and meals.
- Work with your insurer to understand your policy limits for temporary housing and personal property claims.
- Work with your insurance provider to get referrals for licensed and certified restoration contractors.
- Verify that the contractor is certified to ensure quality and compliance.
- A professional restoration provider will help you navigate cleanup and repairs safely and efficiently.
- Begin looking for a rental property that matches your needs, as housing demand may surge after a wildfire.
- Coordinate with your insurance carrier to ensure direct payments for temporary housing costs.
- Create a detailed inventory of your belongings, organized by room. Include descriptions, brand names, and estimated replacement costs.
- Save all receipts for purchases and keep track of additional living expenses for insurance reimbursement.
- Freeze or cancel services like electricity, gas, and subscriptions. Forward any relevant accounts to your PO Box to avoid missed bills or extra fees.
- When purchasing essentials, let store owners know you’ve been affected by the wildfire. Many businesses may offer discounts or special assistance.
- Connect with other fire victims to share resources and advice. Rebuilding is a long and challenging process, but collective support can ease the burden.
Recovery after a wildfire takes time and patience. Focus on one step at a time, rely on trusted friends and family, and utilize all available resources to rebuild your life and home.
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Recovering from Wildfire Losses
Safety should be your first concern when faced with a wildfire. At some point, the fires will be extinguished and people can return to their properties.
Coming back after a wildfire can be devastating. We’re already seeing reports of people who have lost entire homes and businesses, as well as all of their possessions.
Homeowners and business insurance provides coverage for both the structure and the contents inside. It is vital to have a complete list of your belongings and valuable items so your losses are covered following a wildfire or other catastrophe.
We urge every property owner to prepare a complete inventory of contents. Go room by room and write down:
- A description of the item
- The brand name or manufacturer
- Where on the property it was previously located
- Original vendor/where you bought the item
- The age and condition of the item
- Number of items lost
- Cost to replace the item
It is helpful to know what contents insurance covers and the losses you may be able to claim after a wildfire. You can find common examples of contents for different types of properties below.
Smoke Damage Cleanup
Small-scale cleaning may be possible for businesses (see the American Red Cross DIY guide), but smoke damage cleanup is often complex, hazardous, and time-consuming. Improper handling can worsen the damage. Consider working with professional restoration experts for safer, more effective results.
Commercial Property Contents
- Carpeting and flooring
- Furniture, including desks, chairs, tables, shelving units, etc.
- Light fixtures
- Equipment in office kitchens
- Office equipment, including computers, phones, printers, modems, etc.
- Machinery and tools
- Belongings of employees and customers/clients
- Some business contents insurance covers inventory and cash on the premises
Religious institutions, schools and universities, libraries, and municipal buildings are all susceptible to damages and losses due to wildfires. A complete inventory of contents is also essential for these properties.
Learn More About Wildfire Restoration for Commercial Properties
Residential Property Contents
- Furniture
- Clothing and apparel
- Household appliances
- Dishes
- Books
- Televisions, computers, mobile phones, video game consoles, and other electronics
- Home decor
- Jewelry, artwork, and other valuables
- Recreational equipment (pool tables, trampolines, exercise equipment, etc.)
Learn More About Wildfire Restoration for Residential Properties
Wildfire Preparedness & Recovery Resources
National and local organizations have a number of resources to help people prepare for wildfires and recover in the aftermath of a fire.
National
View our piece on the safety or reentering your home after the fires.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) manages disaster response at the national level. If a disaster is declared in your area, visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov to apply for assistance. FEMA also offers a Text Message Program:
- To locate an open emergency shelter, text SHELTER and a zip code to 43362 (4FEMA).
- To locate an open Disaster Recovery Center, text DRC and a zip code to 43362 (4FEMA).
- Please note that standard message and data rates apply.
Additional wildfire information and resources can be found on the following pages:
- U.S. Fire Administration, After the Fire
- OSHA, Wildfires – Introduction
- Ready.gov, Wildfires
- Ready.gov, Home Fires
- Red Cross, Wild Fire Safety
- Red Cross, Home Fire Safety
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network, Wildfire Resources
- AirNow.gov, Air Quality Index
Contractor Certifications, Licences, and Training
Check that your contractor is certified to perform restoration services before hiring them.
IICRC – Institute of Inspection Cleaning, Restoration, and Certification
-
Locate a Certified Pro: https://iicrc.org/
iicrcgloballocator/
CSLB – Contractors State License Board
-
Verify required state licensing: https://www2.cslb.ca.gov/
RIA – Restoration Industry Association
-
Trade association offering advanced designations to restoration professionals
Key Financial Information for Wildfire Recovery
Forbearance Programs
- Temporary Relief: Forbearance allows you to pause or reduce mortgage payments temporarily if impacted by the wildfire.
- Duration: Many lenders offer forbearance for up to 12 months without penalties or late fees.
- Repayment Options: Missed payments must be repaid later through:
- A repayment plan
- Loan modification
- Extending your loan term
- Credit Impact:
- Forbearance may affect your credit score.
- Lenders may report forbearance as a late payment at their discretion.
- Confirm reporting practices with your lender before proceeding.
- Impact on Future Loans:
- Forbearance may affect eligibility for new loans.
- Typically, you must make 12 consecutive on-time payments after forbearance ends (varies by loan type).
- Check with your lender for specific details.
- Action Required: Contact your lender as soon as possible to apply or confirm eligibility.
Mortgage Payments
- Mortgage payments must continue even if your property is destroyed.
- Relief Options: Lenders, such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, offer forbearance programs to temporarily suspend or reduce payments.
Property Taxes
- Property taxes remain due, but you may qualify for disaster relief programs.
Utility Bills
- Utility bills must be paid even if services are interrupted.
- Relief Options: Contact your utility provider to inquire about:
- Payment deferrals
- Assistance programs